Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

409. Olivia - Picnic V

*Oh.*

My heart starts beating fast.

*Oh.*

I didn't expect this.

Mommy, this is for you," Spencer says, making me turn my attention to him. He holds a small black velvet box in his hands. I take it from him.

Even without opening it, I know what's inside.

An engagement ring.

My hands tremble so much I'm afraid I'll drop the ring. Ansel comes to my rescue and helps me with the box, opening it for me. Inside is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. The sunlight reflects on the golden band before bouncing along the two stones set in the ring. One stone is a gorgeous teardrop salt and pepper diamond, and next to it is the blue semi-precious stone from the ring Tyson proposed with.

I press my left hand to my trembling lips. I love the ring so much. It's perfect in all ways. As is the proposal.

Tyson takes my right hand into his. "Little Queen, my sweet Little Bunny," him saying my old nickname doesn't anger me anymore, but I prefer the new one, "I'm so grateful for a new chance at life with you. I love you so much, Olly." A knot forms in my throat, preventing me from expressing how much I love him.

Jasper speaks next. "Little Love," his tone is so soft and full of love. "Despite how I came to know you, my heart belongs to you. You own me. You did from the first moment I saw you. I never knew true happiness until you."

If Jasper only knew how much he did for me. How his love and care for me made me realize I am worth something. I am so lucky to be loved by him.

you. Knowing you have changed my life for the better.

the first time Mose said something in Korean to me, and while it's been

I love you.

I would

His brown eyes are full of love. "I've loved you for a long time, Erelah." Each time Ansel says that name to me, he evokes such strong feelings inside me. More than that, it's like I've known Ansel for... lifetimes. "I loved you even when I didn't know what love was. No matter how many lives we

former life, but I

from talking, so I nod, letting them know that I want to spend forever with them. Ansel takes out

voice. "I love you all so very

and after long kisses and hugs, I turn to face my grandparents. Showing them the ring on my finger, the promise of eternally

***

after letting family and friends know about the engagement, I make my way to the barn. It's been a while since I last spent some time with the horses, especially with the filly. Ever since Jasper, Ansel, and Mose gave her to me, I have been looking for the perfect name for her. It might have taken me months, but

the filly. Her stall is next to Speckles'. Ever since the guys brought the filly home, Speckles started trusting us more. She is still weary of us, but she doesn't get that nervous

us.

the pocket of my pajamas, I take several sugar cubes. I brought enough for the horses, the pony-who Spencer called Lincoln-and

I brought, I say to her, "For so long, I lived without hope. I even lost the will to die. But all that changed during a cold winter night. This is why I want to call you Vida. It means life in Spanish." It's one of the

I didn't realize it back then, starting with the past Christmas Eve, I slowly

for her, she huffs, upset. After patting her, I go and give the other animals their treat before

into Grandpa Jon. He

are you doing out

on the animals.

out alone during

I do hope I didn't forget to mention someone." He gives me a disapproving look. "I am learning how to fight, so

forget you are pregnant. In your